From Beauty to Chaos to Beauty
Our last day in Crested Butte was the cherry on top of a God-gifted week. It started with waking up and seeing this mule deer getting his morning snack! Aw! Even God’s creatures declare His glory!
We began our day at a packed Sunday morning church service — locals and summer wanderers all worshiping under the same roof. I couldn’t help but worship my Lord in praise for all the beauty we had soaked in.
After church, we took a leisurely walk down Elk Avenue — through the Farmer’s Market – a Sunday weekly outdoor bonanza: artisans, musicians, foodies, jewelers, and creators — all displaying their gifts like an open-air treasure chest.
Carl, being Carl, bought two huge overflowing, gorgeous floral baskets for Terrell and Amelia’s new home. The man knows how to bless others.
A farewell lunch at Bones (hello, delicious Mexican food) — was followed by a final scenic drive to the Gunnison Airport.
Cue the soundtrack shift.
First, at the airport, a tiny traveler exercised her lungs with Olympic-level intensity while her young parents did their best to calm her. God bless ‘em.
Then came the dreaded flight delay due to weather and traffic — meaning our Austin connection was toast. The United rep offered Plan B: arrive in San Antonio by 11:45 p.m., rent a car, and drive home by 2:45 a.m. Umm… no thank you?
That’s when I took it up with the One who never slumbers. I wasn’t begging for special treatment — but didn’t Jesus say, “Ask, seek, knock?” So, I did. And wouldn’t you know it — our departure was suddenly bumped up by 30 minutes!
We landed in Denver with 20 minutes to spare, and as we deplaned, I spotted an angel disguised as a gate agent. She radioed ahead but urged us to hustle.
Pulling our carry-on luggage and backpacks – almost sensing heaven’s divine intervention — right then, a shuttle driver pulled up like he knew we were on the brink of collapse. We made the train. We made the walk. We made the flight! Hallelujah!
We were some of the last blessed souls through that boarding gate – just in time.
Sometimes, God teaches trust — not through mountain vistas, but through crowded terminals and near-missed flights. He reminds us, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Exhausted? Yes. Grateful? Absolutely. We left Crested Butte filled with beauty — and landed at home filled with awe.
God’s timing? Impeccable.
His love? Unshakable.
His travel plans? Better than ours.
From mountain majesty to airport madness — God was in it all! Grateful for a week of beauty and a homecoming full of grace! And now, home sweet home in our Austin sweet spot – which is also full of beauty and peace!